019
Remi’s POV
The grand hall buzzed with excitement as nobles and pack leaders from all over the kingdom gathered to witness Bianca’s coronation. Everyone seemed enthralled by the “lost princess.” Everyone except me.
I stood near the edge of the crowd, my armor polished to a gleaming shine, a silent reminder of my duty. The scent of champagne and lavender filled the air, mixing with the chatter of the elites. My wolf growled quietly in the back of my mind, uneasy about everything.
There Bianca was, standing at the center of it all, her gown glittering under the light as though it were made of stardust. Bianca wore a practiced smile, her hair styled into a flawless braid, and her crown perched perfectly atop her head. She was stunning, I couldn’t deny that. But that beauty didn’t mask the cruelty hidden beneath her carefully constructed facade.
I glanced across the room and immediately felt a pang in my chest. Laurent stood by her side, dressed in a sharp, tailored suit. He looked every bit the perfect knight, his expression calm and composed. My wolf whined softly. He should’ve been standing with me, not escorting her.
Just yesterday, Bianca asked the Alpha King personally that she wanted Laurent to be her escort–and here we were today
“Jealousy doesn’t suit you, Remi,” I muttered under my breath, trying to shake the thought away But no matter how much I tried, the sight of him next to Bianca stung
As I turned my attention elsewhere, a familiar voice cut through the noise.
250 pudd
“Well, well, if it isn’t the kingdom’s most pathetic knight” Daisy sneered, her tone dripping with mockery.
I stiffened, my hand instinctively resting on the hilt of my sword as I turned to face her. Eros was with her, his arrogant smirk making my stomach churn. They both looked too pleased with themselves, like predators who had cornered their prey
“What do you want?” I asked flatly, keeping my voice steady.
Daisy’s grin widened as she took a step closer, her floral scent suffocating “Oh, nothing. Just wanted to check on you. You looked so lonely over here.”
Eros chuckled darkly, his sharp eyes scanning me with disdain. “What’s the matter, Remi? Feeling left out now that Laurent, your mate, is escorting a real woman? Just go back to Lotus Pack and leave that man now.”
My wolf growled, and I clenched my fists to keep her at bay. “Laurent’s doing his duty nothing more,” I said, keeping my tone firm.
Daisy tilted her head, feigning innocence. “Duty? Is that what you tell yourself? Face it, Remi. Laurent’s wasting his time on you. Do you really think a man like him deserves someone like… you? A leftover woman carrying another
man’s child?”
The words hit me like a punch to the gut, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe. My hand trembled against my sword hilt, but I didn’t draw it. I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction.
Eros leaned in, his voice low and venomous. “You’re nothing but a burden to him, Remi. It’s only a matter of time
before he realizes it.”
“Enough,” I snapped, my voice trembling despite my effort to sound strong. “You’ve said your piece. Now leave.” Daisy laughed, her tone mockingly sweet. “Oh, don’t be so sensitive. We’re just looking out for Laurent. He
deserves better, after all.”
I turned on my heel and walked away before I said or did something I’d regret. Their laughter followed me as pushed through the crowd, my heart pounding and my wolf clawing at the edges of my mind.
I found refuge on a quiet balcony, the cool night air a stark contrast to the suffocating heat of the grand hall. My hands gripped the marble railing as I stared out at the moonlit gardens below. My reflection stared back at me in the glass doors, her eyes filled with doubt.
What if they’re right? The thought crept into my mind like poison. What if I’m not enough for him?
I closed my eyes, trying to steady my breathing, but the words Daisy and Eros had said lingered, festering like an open wound
“Remi.”
The deep, familiar voice made me spin around. Laurent stood in the doorway, his hair catching the moonlight and his eyes filled with concern
“What are you doing out here?” he asked, stepping closer.
I turned away, unable to meet his gaze. “I needed some air.”
Laurent’s hand brushed against mine, warm and grounding. “I saw you leave. Did something happen?”
G
Thesitated, debating whether to tell him the truth. But the words spilled out before I could stop them. “Alpha Eros
and Daisy” My voice was barely above a whisper. “They said I wasn’t good enough for you. That… that you’d realize
it eventually”
A low growl rumbled in Laurent’s chest, his wolf rising to the surface. “They said that to you?”
I nodded, my throat tight
Listen to me
Laurent cupped my face gently, forcing me to look at him. His eyes burned with determination. “Listen Remi You are more than enough. Don’t let those bastards make you doubt that, not for a second”
My eyes stung, but I refused to cry. “But you’re-
“I don’t care,” he interrupted, his voice firm but filled with warmth. “I chose you, Remi. Not Bianca, not anyone else. You And I’ll keep choosing you, every single day.”
The sincerity in his voice melted the doubt clawing at my chest. I leaned into his touch, his warmth chasing away the cold that had settled in my heart.
“I’m sorry,” he said softly. “For all of this. For making you feel like you’re second to anyone. I’ll talk to the king and queen. I’ll make sure nothing like this happens again.”
I shook my head. “It’s not your fault. You were just doing what they asked ”
“It doesn’t matter,” he said firmly. “If it hurts you, it’s my problem too. You’re my mate, Remi. And no one–no one -gets to treat you like you’re anything less.”